Police watchdog orders fresh misconduct probe into Sydney LGBTQ venue drug raids

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission has compelled NSW Police to reopen a misconduct investigation into June drug-dog raids at Sydney LGBTQIA+ venues after an internal review cleared officers.

Sydney MP Alex Greenwich and Lord Mayor Clover Moore reported that police drug-detection dogs entered several LGBTQIA+ venues on Oxford Street in mid-June, allegedly pushing patrons against walls and forcing them to strip in public during Pride Month. An internal NSW Police review led by Inspector Michael Butcher examined body-worn video, CCTV and witness statements, concluding the operation complied with force policies and finding no evidence of misconduct.

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, with Commissioner Anina Johnson at its helm, rejected that assessment and invoked its statutory authority to mandate a fresh misconduct investigation. Greenwich welcomed the commission’s intervention, emphasizing the need for independent scrutiny to rebuild trust. Police defended the raids as part of a strategy to mitigate drug-related public-safety risks, noting that 93 individuals were searched, 42 drug detections were made, and one person was charged with supply. The controversy has fueled parliamentary debate and prompted resignations from the LGBTQIA+ Consultative Committee.